by Wendy Mansfield
As someone who has worked in all areas of the jewel/ jewellery industry, Jason Middleton was well placed to give an introductory talk to buying and selling jewellery.
Historically jewellery was given as a token of love, health, healing or remembrance. Jason’s advice on buying jewellery was to buy something you love at a price you think suitable. The first consideration should be purpose and function. Is it going to be something to wear every day or just for special occasions. Some jewels are more hard-wearing than others, for example we all now that diamonds are the hardest mineral known to science. Jason also advocated some other useful advice, namely to do your research, shop around and always buy from a good source. He cautioned against buying anything that was advertised as 75% off! If possible try to buy gems which come with certification, especially diamonds. Most gems are graded under four categories
1. Carat size
2. Colour specific
3. Clarity
4. Cut
There are two main types of jewellery, handmade or cast. Handmade jewellery will be made by a goldsmith whereas cast jewellery is mass produced from moulds. Jason explained that there are four “noble” metals employed in jewellery making:- gold, silver, platinum and palladium. This last metal being a newcomer in the jewellery industry. In the UK all noble metals are hallmarked by law. Often gold and silver from abroad is not hallmarked, for example Indian gold and silver. One thing Jason advised to be careful of was buying gems abroad as you cannot be sure they are what they say they are!
The talk was accompanied by slides showing some stunning jewels and Jason also explained how to use a jeweller’s loop. Members were keen to examine their rings, pendants and brooches using this piece of equipment. After the talk Jason kindly judged this month’s competition where members had brought in items of antique jewellery.
